SAAGNY News

  • Congratulations SAAGNY Members Ken Cecco and Vince Deissroth being named Best Multi Line Reps for 2020!

    April 14, 2020 2:13 PM | Deleted user

    PPB Magazine announced its  Best Multi-Line Rep. Those selected were nominated by suppliers and distributors across the industry based on level of service, product knowledge, responsiveness, creativity, communications skills and follow up, among other factors.

    SAAGNY congratulates all the multi-line reps selected for this year’s honor, in particular SAAGNY members -  Ken Cecco, Kenneth Cecco & Associates and Vincent Deissroth, APPI.

    Please click here for the full article in PPB magazine.

  • The Passing of Sidney Siegel

    April 10, 2020 11:39 AM | Deleted user

    On March 29th, Sidney Siegel one of the true pioneers of our industry and founder of Industrial Contacts, passed away from complications due to Covid-19.   With little money or experience, he started Industrial Contacts, one of the first Promotional Products companies in New York City, over 60 years ago.  It didn’t take too long before Sid Siegel had a reputation as being one of the most creative minds our industry has ever seen.  

    Sid’s early days started with his background in emblematic jewelry which he soon segued  into a larger scope of promotional products and custom manufacturing, due to the high demand of his growing clientele.  Industrial Contacts was one of the first companies to work with Japan, before China became a player, where he produced custom shaped radios such as football helmets for the NFL, top shelf  liquor bottles, Brut  cologne and Pepsi vending machines.   The liquor industry soon became his niche.  Some of his most prominent work included ceramic figurines, metal signs,  and lucite bottle embedment.

    Sid created and produced the Clio Award, still used  today to honor the best television commercials.  He was one of the first to start the company store catalog  (of course in print before later technology developments) which he established for brands like Pepsi and Met Life.  His creativity along with his out of the box thinking earned him the cover story of Counselor Magazine in 1974.

    His ingenious and clever thinking was one of the reasons for his great success, but it was his charismatic personality combined with his sense of humor that truly made a lasting impression.  

    Today, Industrial Contacts is led by his son Steve and his grandson Daniel.  Sid’s daughter Mindy is also involved in the company and plays an important role on the sales team.  The company continues to follow in his footsteps with a strong focus on the beverage industry.  Sid continued to have daily conversations with Steve and Daniel about the happenings of the business and was never one to shy away from offering his advice. 

    Although business was his “baby” that he always cherished , nothing took precedence over his family.  He was married to his late wife Joyce for 65, years who played an integral role in the success of Industrial Contacts.  Nothing brought Sid more joy than spending time with family, and watching the successes and achievements of his kids and four grandchildren.  His leisure time was usually spent playing golf or on the tennis  court.

    Sid will be missed not only by his family and friends but anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.


  • SAAGNY in Promo Marketing Magazine

    April 03, 2020 1:51 PM | Deleted user

    In the March issue of Promo Marketing - SAAGNY and the other regional associations were featured in the cover story, Map Quest - How the Industry's Regional Associations are helping promo professionals grow business, make connections and build community - one member at a time.

    Click here for the article.

  • 2020 Expo East Cancelled

    April 01, 2020 2:07 PM | Deleted user

    A Message from PPAI President & CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE


    As I've stated in previous emails, as recently as yesterday, we here at PPAI are making some tough decisions based on the continuing challenges facing us during these unprecedented times. These decisions are not unlike the ones you are likely making regarding your businesses.

    Based on the current COVID-19 situation, the importance of your health and safety and the practicality of holding a show in a building that is currently being considered as a backup medical facility, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Expo East, effective immediately. We feel this is a sensitive and responsible action considering the shelter-in-place restrictions in many areas across the United States and the recent announcement deeming the Atlantic City Convention Center a temporary field hospital to accommodate expanded capacity.

    The cancellation includes all education sessions on Wednesday, June 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City as well as the trade show exhibits on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

    Exhibitors and attendees already signed up for Expo East will receive additional updates regarding the next steps. We are hopeful this crisis will be resolved soon, and we can then work together toward the recovery and rebuilding of our industry and our daily lives.

    Everyone's health and safety are our utmost concern. If you have any questions, we will do our best to answer them quickly. We appreciate your support and understanding.       

    With sincere thanks,

     


  • April SAAGNY Life Has Arrived

    April 01, 2020 11:59 AM | Deleted user

    The April SAAGNY Life has arrived.  Click here to get the latest from SAAGNY.     

                                                   


  • Small Businesses Looking For Resources

    March 28, 2020 4:43 PM | Deleted user

    Please click here for a Small Business Guide and checklist for Coronavirus emergency loans prepared by the US Chamber of Commerce.

  • Resources That Can Help

    March 25, 2020 9:55 AM | Deleted user
    PPAI has information on their website that they are keeping closely updated that you might find useful:
    • Coronavirus Information Page – This page is continuously updated and includes helpful links to the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, industry news as it relates to the virus, the latest updates on PPAI events, and a recently added section for regional event updates. https://www.ppai.org/coronavirus-information/ 
    • Supplier Status Update Page – We've created a web page for suppliers to share status updates about their business operations. This is an informative resource to learn about new safety measures, adjusted hours, temporary closures and factory cleaning methods straight from suppliers. https://www.ppai.org/unique/coronavirus-related-supplier-updates/


  • From PPAI's Paul Bellantone

    March 25, 2020 9:46 AM | Deleted user

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    A Video Message from PPAI President & CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE

     

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    Dear PPAI Member:

    First and foremost, I hope you, your families and your coworkers are healthy and doing as well as possible under these uncertain and trying conditions. Like all of you, the team and I at PPAI continue to monitor the situation, adjust, adapt and continue to hope and pray for improvement. Now, as always, my promise to you is that PPAI will not lose its focus – you and your business. The promotional products community has weathered many challenges in the past and we always come out stronger because we stand and work together. Our primary goals over the next days and weeks are twofold. First, to make sure we can continue, along with our service partners, to provide essential services to members and the industry. Second, to make the necessary business decisions to ensure that there is a strong and relevant trade association in place to help you recover and rebuild when this crisis ends. 

    As the news about COVID-19 continues to pour in, I understand many of you are seeking some sense of normalcy in a situation that is far from normal. With all of this in mind, I want to remind you of some resources that are available to you, as well as update you on a few things:

    • Coronavirus Information Page – This page is continuously updated and includes helpful links to the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, industry news as it relates to the virus, the latest updates on PPAI events, and a recently added section for regional event updates. https://www.ppai.org/coronavirus-information/ 
    • Supplier Status Update Page – We've created a web page for suppliers to share status updates about their business operations. This is an informative resource to learn about new safety measures, adjusted hours, temporary closures and factory cleaning methods straight from suppliers. https://www.ppai.org/unique/coronavirus-related-supplier-updates/
    • Promo Connect – Promo Connect, PPAI's online community, is a valuable resource to directly connect with other industry professionals. We are already seeing a spike in communication activity via this platform on a variety of topics. https://community.ppai.org/home
    • Free Online Learning – We are making all education courses (more than 300 offerings) via PPAI's online education platform free to PPAI members. https://onlineeducation.ppai.org/
    • Working From Home – Out of an abundance of caution and under the direction of local officials, PPAI staff members are now working from home. We prepared for this likelihood in advance and as a result you should experience no interruption in service. 

    Additionally, PPAI is having to make some very tough decisions regarding events:

    • Promotional Products Work Week Postponed – We will postpone this week-long event, originally scheduled for May 4-8, to coincide with Advertising Week, October 5-8, where we already invest heavily in industry advocacy activities. The industry and Association will use this as a rallying point to begin rebuilding and the early October dates can be both timely and fortuitous.
    • PPAI's Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) Cancelled – Our annual visit to Washington, D.C., originally scheduled for May 6-7, in which our members represent and lobby on behalf of our great industry, has been cancelled. However, we intend to encourage all members to reach out to their members of Congress to thank them for their work on behalf of all of us and ask them to keep the needs of small businesses top-of-mind.
    • SPARK Conference Cancelled – While we recognize the importance of young professionals to the well-being and future success of our industry, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this program, originally scheduled for July 15-17. However, PPAI is considering making SPARK a one-day event in conjunction with The PPAI Expo in January 2021. We will continue to find ways to serve this vital community.
    • Other PPAI Events - Currently all other events are being evaluated. Rest assured, when the cancellation of any event is discussed, so too is the opportunity to offer programming in a virtual environment. Please know that all decisions will be made with your best interests in mind. 

    We have all entered uncharted waters together, and it will take cooperation, support, compassion and sound business decisions for us to get through this. Together it is possible.
     
    As I look ahead, I want you to know we will continue to evaluate and redefine every aspect of our business, as necessary, in order to provide you with the support you need. We will work together with you to ensure that your business and your Association are around for the next 100 years. 


    From the entire PPAI team, we wish you the best. 


    Reach out if you need an ear or have an idea to share. And most importantly, keep washing those hands.

     

    Regards,

    https://images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/PPAI/PB_Signature.jpg


  • What Can I Do Today With SAAGNY?

    March 19, 2020 12:50 PM | Deleted user

    What Can I Do Today With SAAGNY?

    Learn from Home

    We record our webinars.  Watch SAAGNY webinars and receive PPAI credit on your transcript towards your TAS, CAS, or MAS!

    Click here for the recordings.

    Think about getting certified - TAS, CAS, MAS.

    More information can be found here.

     

    Make a Call

    Use the SAAGNY Member Directory to call a supplier/distributor you haven't met yet.

    Click here to login to the directory.

     

    Calling All Suppliers 

    Suppliers arrange with SAAGNY to do a webinar for distributors - talk about new products, new processes, innovative services, the list goes on.  Email info@saagny.org today.

     

    Write An Article for SAAGNY Life

    Share some positive news about your employees/company in the SAAGNY Life Newsletter - SAAGNY members want to know what you are doing.  Email info@saagny.org today

     

    Stay Connected

    Connect with SAAGNY on Social Media to stay in touch - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

     

    Plan Ahead to Watch An Upcoming Webinar

    Thursday, March 26

    Webinar – Have You Thought About the Uniform Program Business with Brett Garan  click here to register

    Thursday, April 2

    Webinar  - Sustainable Products With a Purpose with Scott Edidin 
    click here to register

    Thursday, April 9

    Webinar - Learn About Perry Ellis International with Howard Headden 
    click here to register

    Thursday, April 23

    Webinar – Growing Sales in Top Emerging Markets with Rob Watson 
    click here to register

     


  • FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    March 18, 2020 11:08 AM | Deleted user


    The Department of Labor (DOL) has been busily preparing for the implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).  The DOL has created a page of FAQs, which it has continued to add to in recent days, that provides answers to most of the biggest and most pressing questions regarding the FFCRA - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

    In particular the FAQs:

    • Provide that the law will go into effect on April 1, 2020. As we previously noted, the text of the FFCRA states that the act takes effect "not later than 15 days after the date of enactment." Thus, the widespread understanding was that the FFCRA would go into effect on April 2 (the 15th day after enactment). The DOL has made it clear that this is not the case and that the law will be effective April 1, 2020. See FAQ #1.
    • Confirm that employees will only be able to take leave under the FFCRA if the employer otherwise has work for them to do.  In other words, if an employee is furloughed before or after April 1, the employee will not be eligible for FFCRA.  Likewise, if an employee's hours are reduced, the employee will only be able to take FFCRA leave to receive paid leave based on their reduced schedule. See FAQ # 23 through 28.
    • Specify that employers will not receive credit for any leave for FFCRA purposes that they have voluntarily provided to employees prior to April 1.  As of April 1, any employee who is eligible for FFCRA leave must receive the full leave regardless of any leave previously provided to them.
    • Provide guidance on how employers should calculate whether they are under or over the 500 employee threshold for the purposes of the FFCRA. See FAQ #2.
    • Explain the general framework for businesses with less than fifty employees to claim an exemption to the FFCRA and specify that the business may do so if an officer of the business determines the business falls into one of three scenarios as described in the FAQs.  See FAQ # 58 and 59.

    The FAQs are among the helpful resources that the Department of Labor has provided on its COVID-19 site, which we would encourage you to keep an eye on for further updates - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

    On that site, the DOL has published the model notice that employers will be required to post and advise employees of their rights under the FFCRA.  However, the DOL will need to revise and reissue these notices before April 1 as the CARES Act changes the maximum that an employee may receive while on emergency FMLA (reducing the max from $12,000 to $10,000)